Polo Shirts News

Outshine the Competition with Promotional Clothing

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:42:24 +0100

In today�s tough economy you must outshine the competition if you want to succeed. You must implement new and creative ideas and innovative marketing strategies. What can you do to come out ahead?

A new trend is emerging in the marketing sector � giveaway promotional t-shirts. Promotional t-shirts are currently one of the best methods to brand your company and get the word out about what you do and what you have to offer. Giving away promotional clothing will result in many benefits: an increase in revenue, an increase in visibility, and the development of a good image.

Polo shirts are often overlooked as successful promotional items. However, it is an ideal choice. A cotton polo shirt is a sound investment and will be appreciated by consumers. Promotional polo shirts have high visibility, can be worn in numerous settings, and reach greater masses of people than other promotional items.

Polo shirts are often associated with golf. The promotional polo shirt makes an excellent high quality give-away for company golf tournaments and outdoor sporting events. Skeet shooting, yachting, and tennis are great opportunities for promotional give-aways.

Do not feel limited to outdoor sporting events when choosing polo shirts. This product is perfect for all occasions; from the boardroom to the bar, customers will love wearing attractive promotional polo shirts. Many corporations use cotton polo shirts for employee uniforms to achieve a polished look. A company may have different colors of logo polo shirts for different departments or different days of the week.

Cotton polo shirts come in two styles, long and short sleeves. The short-sleeved shirt is by far the most popular because it will get more frequent use. Nevertheless, don�t let that keep you from ordering long sleeved polo shirts for the chilly winter months. Your customers will recognize the value of the shirt and wear it often.

� Image by Name Hidden, www.sxc.hu/

Your Picture on Your T-shirt

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:11:42 +0100

A new trend is arising in decorative t-shirts. No, airbrushing is not fashionable again, but the new trend is colorful. So what has people flocking to buy plain cotton t-shirts? Photo t-shirts! A photo t-shirt can be easily made at home and is tres chic.

Adding photos to plain t-shirts give them style and pizzazz. You can dress the t-shirt up or down depending on what effect you want to achieve. And if you have tried adding photos to t-shirts before and found you were only able to get a rectangle plopped on a plain background you are in for a surprise.

New technology has improved the methods used in making photo t-shirts. You can easily soften the photo�s edge or use interesting and attractive digital frames to make the photo pop.

All you need to begin designing your own t-shirts are a color printer, transfer photo paper, and a t-shirt. Take one of your favorite photos and print it on the transfer paper. After it has been printed you only have to iron the transfer on the t-shirt to get a beautiful and stylish garment.

Photo t-shirts have many uses. They can be worn at family reunions or other special events to honor family members such as graduations or birthday parties. Photo t-shirts can also be designed to celebrate occasions and are gerat to sell for charity fundraisers.

Recently, an elementary school produced photo t-shirts of with a photo of the globe for students to wear on Earth Day. �Every year we buy t-shirts for our Earth Day activities. This year we decided to get the kids involved. In their art classes they were assigned the task of designing a globe picture. Each grade level then held a contest and chose a winning design,� says Katherine Ames, school principal.

Ms. Ames goes on to say that the t-shirts with student made designs were a big hit. After the winner was determined for each grade level the design was scanned, printed, and transferred onto t-shirts. A great community project for all!

Organic T-Shirts and More

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:35:38 +0100

If a product can be labeled eco-friendly its success is almost guaranteed. From drinking water to car fuel, eco-friendly is the new buzz word making the circles in the minds of today consumers.

The textile industry is also under the sway of the push to use ecologically sound production and manufacturing methods. And for good reason, say industry insiders. In the past many textiles were produced using methods that were very harmful to the environment and certain textiles, such as synthetics, were even made of petroleum by-products.

Today, many yarns are being produced from age old methods that are ecologically sound. Sustainable crops, including bamboo and soy, can be transformed into �green� textiles. Organic cotton production is on the rise and wool can be obtained from organically raised sheep. Organic cotton is used in all kinds of clothing products including white t-shirts

Methods traditionally used for growing and producing cotton have been found to be harmful to the environment. Ten years ago a study of pesticides used in farming found that cotton crops used the highest percentage of fertilizers and pesticides of all the crops studied. This realization led to the growing popularity of organic cotton which uses eco-friendly growing and harvesting methods.

Organic cotton can be grown using natural methods of fertilization. Other natural means are being used to keep insects from damaging crops and to encourage growth. Organic farmers do not depend on dangerous pesticides and other chemicals to get their crops to harvest.

One major difference is the finished product. Organic cotton has not been through chemical processes or dyes. When organic cotton reaches the distributer it has been colored using natural dyes such as berries, leaves, and nuts. It is soft and pliable making it an excellent fabric to work with when making clothing.

There are numerous advantages to organic cotton and they are becoming better known as consumers look to buy �green. (c) Image by Bina Sveda,www.sxc.hu/

Sweatshirts Are in Style!!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:17:25 +0100

The Eastern Shore in Delaware is always busy with people surfing and skateboarding wearing their sweatshirts with hoods which are affectionately called hoodies. Hoodies are so practical. You can take the hood off while in action. When you stop moving and get chilly, the hood can go up and keep you warm. A couple of the big names in the surfing and skateboarding fashion industry are Quicksilver and Billabong. The manager of Coconut Kids Tamara Ulmer said, "They relate to surfing and we're a surfing community. It all just fits in." Their best selling item is the Quicksilver sweatshirts. Another good selling brand is Volcom, who is based in California; they have a philosophy of �youth against establishment.� The designs on the sweatshirts reflect the skating world created by artists working for Volcom. The manager for K-coast Courtney McCarraher said this about the sweatshirts and hoodies, �They are fresh, new and the designs are edgier than Roxy and Billabong, they are more classic.�

Many consumers prefer the zip up styles of hoodies rather than the over the head versions. The manager of the shop Quiet Storm in Rehoboth Beach, Karen Collins, said "The zip-ups are the No. 1 seller," and added "Pull-overs just aren't as strong..." Zip-ups are much easier to put on and take off. The company Roxy and Element have created sweatshirts that have a Sherpa lining inside them, so that these items of clothing can also be used as a jacket as well as a hoodie. Parents no longer need to worry about their children being cold while out surfing or skateboarding. Sweats are now becoming very fashionable. There are all kinds of designs and styles on the market.

(c)Image by Renaude Hatsedakis, www.sxc.hu/

New York City Wants Your Old T-Shirts and Polo Shirts

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:03:49 +0100

Recycling clothes in New York City is not as easy as recycling clothes in smaller cities or towns. In New York City there are plenty of people who don�t have a car and just use the subway to get around. So when clothes are recycled it means having to haul bags around town either on the subway, in a borrowed car or in a rented car. The result is that New Yorkers have not been good about recycling their used clothes and simply throw them away.

Now there is a push to get the city dwellers to change their ways. The city is placing collection bins around town in places meant to make recycling easier. The bins will be in apartment lobbies and on sidewalks. They will be found in public buildings too including police stations. Instead of throwing away those old t-shirts or any other clothing, people will be able to easily find collection bins and just throw their used clothing inside on their way out of their buildings. The city hopes that by making it easy to recycle clothes that New Yorkers will start changing their habits.

This program will be contracted out to charities that will be responsible for picking up the items placed in the bins. The expectation is that the bins will lead to increased levels of textile recycling. European consumers have been recycling textiles for many years, but in America the environmentally sound practice has been slower to be adopted. Right now it is estimated that only 20% of all discarded textiles are recycled in the U.S. Yet all recycled textiles, from Europe or America, have a ready market in Africa and other nations. Clothing that cannot be resold is converted in other products like carpet padding and insulation. Even the trim on clothing, such as the buttons, are reused.

Next time you go shopping online for some new polo shirts just remember that another life awaits the old ones. All it takes is a quick trip to a textile recycling bin.

� Image by Kovacs Laszlo, www.sxc.hu/

Improving Test Scores with School Uniforms

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:33:32 +0100

The recent popularity of U.S. school uniforms across the country has influenced their acceptability. Students are likely to wear the uniforms without protest and parents are quick to see the advantages of school uniforms.

When school uniforms were first instituted in public schools there were huge public outcries. Principals and administrators stayed tough and the uniform policies prevailed. And now, in some cases a decade later, test results are showing a vast improvement.

How can test results relate to polo shirts? According to many principals once a student puts on a school uniform he feels an immediate sense of pride. This feeling carries over into all aspects of his life. He will take better care of his hygiene; he will stand up taller when walking down the hall, will be more likely to answer questions in class, and will perform better on exams.

The benefits of school uniforms and the effects of a simple polo shirt and pair of khakis on student performance have given rise to an abundance of theories and even more questions. The consensus seems to be that with polo shirts and uniforms students do not have to worry about current styles, or being the �it� girl. There is no �dress to impress� requirement. Once this obstacle is taken out of the equation it gives students more time and energy to focus on things that truly matter such as studying.

School administrators want to know the specific reasons for the success of these uniforms. Does the color of the polo shirt matter? Is it important to have the school mascot on the polo shirt? Ongoing studies are currently underway concerning just these issues. Yes, school uniforms have been around for decades but the changes they have brought to public school is making people revisit age-old beliefs about uniforms in general.

� Image by Sarah Cates, www.sxc.hu

Buy Ethical T-Shirts and End Inhumane Labor Practices

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:14:51 +0100

Have you ever wondered where your shoes or your sweaters were made? The U.S. Department of Labor issues a report named the List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor. The report lists different items from food to clothing to metals that use child labor and forced labor. The report is issued for two reason. First, consumers can learn which countries use these inhumane practices. Second, it keeps the pressure on the countries in the hopes they will end these practices.

It is incumbent on consumers to take an interest in where their clothes are made. It is unfortunate that some clothes are still made by children working in factories. Also still being heavily produced by child or forced labor is cotton. There were 16 countries found to still be producing cotton using inappropriate or inhuman labor practices. Children are pulled out of school to work the fields when it�s time to pick cotton.

Western markets or consumers have proven to be the most attentive to cotton and garment production practices. In fact, the use of child labor to produce clothing for Western markets has been virtually eliminated. But forced labor is still an issue. Forced labor refers to workers like migrant workers who are bullied or coerced into working unreasonable jobs or hours. Workers are given inhumane living conditions and are underfed. They frequently get in debt to brokers that obtained the jobs making them indentured slaves in reality. Though the Western nations are not guilty of using the worst types of forced labor, they certainly use migrant workers who live in abject poverty in many cases. But the countries where forced labor in its worse sense was found include China, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Argentina.

The U.S. Secretary of Labor is Hilda Solis. She said, �Shining light on these problems is a firt step toward motivating governments, the private sector and concerned citizens to take action to end these intolerable abuses that have no place in our modern world.� Next time you order white t-shirts be happy you are buying from ethical garment producers who don�t use child labor. You are doing your part to eliminate this disturbing practice.

� Image by Sirisak Chaiyasook, www.scx.hu/

The Jumble Sale Makes a Comeback

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:05:52 +0100

Do you have some vintage t-shirts you would like to sell? Did you get some custom printing on a t-shirt or sweatshirt that you now believe others would appreciate? If so, you can look for the nearest jumble sale which is making a big comeback.

A jumble sale is one where people bring items they no longer want but could have value to someone else. There were originally held in schools and church halls, but now they have taken a decided turn to the fashionable. In fact, jumble sales are being sponsored by local businesses as a trendy fashionable event. You might find them now being held in pubs, in dedicated stalls in malls, and in cafes.

Why the return to popularity? The recession has made it fashionable to recycle used items including clothing, toys, furniture and jewelry. Sales are now being held all over London and some people have turned the jumble selling into a profession. But there are plenty of others who join the sale on a one-time basis just to clear out their closets. It�s a great way to make some money and clean out those items you haven�t used in a long time.

Go to a jumble sale and you�re sure to find lots of clothing including tees and sweatshirts. But you might also find a tarot reader, a food vendor and much more. The recession has made people more practical and thrifty which is good. But if jumble sales don�t interest you, the good news is that cheap t-shirts can simply be purchased online. Then when you are tired of the shirts, just let someone else sell them in a jumble sale. You can make a little money, keep your closet cleaned out and know you are acting environmentally sound too. After all, a jumble sale is really just a big recycling event.

� Image by , www.sxc.hu/

Eco-Chic T-Shirts On the Way?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:53:47 +0100

The fashion environmental movement has not been moving much at all. It is far behind the times in the �going green� industry, but there are now some heartening signs that garment manufacturer�s are taking more of an interest.

The fashion industry is slowly but surely heading towards more environmental consciousness. More frequent trade shows focusing on products like sustainable fabrics and organic clothing such as organic cotton t-shirts are appearing around the world. Even at annual high couture fashion and trade shows, there is often a side event which concentrates on eco-friendly fashion.

As the eco-fashion industry grows, a whole new vocabulary is forming. More terms such as �environmentally sensitive fabrics�, �ethical fashion�, �fair labour fashion�, �eco-friendly�, and �green fashion� are appearing more frequently in fashion literature and on garment tags.

One of the newest terms is �eco-chic�. This term is intended to make people look at eco-friendly fashion from a different perspective. Instead of thinking only about recycled sweatshirts or wrinkled hemp cotton clothing in earth tones, eco-chic is eco-friendly concepts applied to the general fashion industry at all levels from the most expensive runway clothing to school uniforms.

Of course, going green in the fashion world has to begin with the textile industry and the methods used to grow organic materials. In the factory, eco-friendly fashion requires complete revisions in the use of chemicals for synthetic fabric production and in the dyes used to create colors. That is one reason why the eco-chic industry has been slow to emerge. It�s very expensive to change current production standards and methods.

It is fully expected more and more pressure will be felt by the fashion industry to embrace environmentally sound practices in the future. The concepts of �fast fashion� or throwaway fashion will be tossed and consumers may find less choice but higher quality products that were made with fair labour and environmental protection practices.

(c)Image by Denis Tarantola, www.sxc.hu/

Turn Plain T-Shirts Into Fashion!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:25:33 +0100

Plain t-shirts are being turned into glamorous high couture by innovative people on a budget. In these tough economic times when there's not much extra money to spend on clothes, you can still wear the most fashionable styles with some creativity. How do you do it? Add sequins and other decorative accessories and trim to ordinary plain t-shirts. You don�t have to spend a lot of money on designer clothes to be fashionable and stylish and ready to party.

In fact, you can take the simple sleeved or sleeveless t-shirts and turn them into trendy evening wear for parties or into fun fashion for the daytime just by giving them some sequined flair or by adding other decorations

Do you think of sequins as being somewhat outdated and maybe even tacky? If so you are missing out on a great new trend. Sequins are stylish and showing up on everything including t-shirts, sweaters, sweats and even flip-flops. Yes�beach shoes are sequined! But instead of the tacky 1970s sequins, the ones applied today to t-shirts and sleeveless tank tops are more subdued and stylish. They are used in a way that is a bit glamorous and certainly creative The purpose is to add fashion flair and not resort to gaudiness.

You could spend a lot of money on pre-made fashions but when you are trying to stay within your clothing budget, it makes more sense to buy cheap t-shirts and then add your own sparkle. You can dust your t-shirt with sparkles or add gold and silver sequins down the front of a sweater. T-shirts go so well with skirts, cardigans, leather jackets, and jeans.

Fashion experts say the key to using sequins is to keep the colors subdued. If you buy a bright yellow t-shirt and then add blue sequins or sparkle, chances are the color combination just won't work. Instead you want to buy darker colored t-shirts and use the sparkles sparingly. But the end result can be a shimmery splash of light catching sequins and sparkles that is sophisticated and fun.

� Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

T-shirts and Famous Faces

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:16:59 +0100

These days many famous people living or dead are featured on t-shirts and other items bought mostly by tourists, or those who want to start a trend. Famous people like Che Guevara and Nelson Mandela have had their images on many items over the years. Unfortunately, many people who buy these items aren't sure who these men are or what they represent.

But those who are trying to protect the images of those who have made real differences in their countries are finding it more difficult to prevent illegal licensing of these images because of the ease by which they can be produced. People are now able to create t-shirts and other clothing in their homes by simply downloading images off the Internet or producing mass numbers of shirts and shipping them all over the world. "For us the problem is policing it. It would cost millions to catch the entrepreneurs who do this illegally," said Achmat Dangor, chief executive of The Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Because foundations like these rely on donations from private citizens and monies raised from the sale of items like t-shirts, those who manufacturer shirts using images without permission are cutting into profits. "People assume [these products are] licensed and a percentage comes to the foundation, which isn't true at all," said Dangor.

Protecting the images of famous leaders is becoming more difficult each year. While foundations like The Nelson Mandela Foundation want people to learn more about Nelson Mandela and maintain his legacy, if too much interest is shown then the demand for t-shirts and other items will rise, which will persuade more people to create them illegally.

(c)Gerla Brakkee, www.sxc.hu

Gym T-Shirts Worth the Price

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:45:20 +0100

What is the emerging market for t-shirts and other workout wear? You may be surprised, but a new niche market for workout wear is the middle and high school market.

Schools have long required their students to buy �gym� shorts and t-shirts for gym class. In the past these t-shirts and shorts have been of poor quality and cheaply made. Administrators, in an effort to save money, ordered gym uniforms based on bulk price, not quality.

With the surge of popularity in promotional clothing such as t-shirts and polo shirts embellished with company logos schools are now able to purchase cost effective high quality gym wear for their students. When promotional clothing salesmen brought their wares into schools to sell to administrators and teachers for faculty and staff wear it was noticed that quality was improving and price was decreasing. Many school principals and athletic directors began to re-think their previous choices in gym wear.

It was quickly discovered that schools could offer their students a better quality of gym wear for only a small price increase. This price increase was actually money-saving when the durability of the t-shirts and shorts was considered. What originally required replacing several times a year was now lasting for the entire school year. Most students found they could make do with 2 printed t-shirts and pairs of shorts for the school year.

If they haven�t already, promotional clothing salesmen must focus on this emerging school athletic wear market. By directing their efforts to this market they may be able to weather the current recession. Students will continue to require gym wear for gym class. If your company can offer these items to students at a great price point and still provide the quality they need you will be gaining, not losing clients.

A Choice of Cotton T-shirts

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:27:46 +0100

Cotton t-shirts are the number one, best selling garment item. Every year the race is on to outsell the cotton t-shirt and there are always some big contenders. Nevertheless, because of its popularity, its durability, and its overall usefulness the t-shirt comes in first place year after year.

Experts who follow fashion trends predict that the cotton t-shirt would come in number one every year with or without the changes in design and style by manufacturers. There are an increasing number of options to a 100 percent cotton t-shirt but each comes with its own drawbacks. Traditionally, the closest competitor has always been the poly-cotton blend t-shirt but it has not been able to take the number one slot in sales.

Why is cotton a favorite of consumers and buyers? Cotton is a soft and comfortable fabric. Big buzzwords this season are �soft� and �luxury� which both describe open end cotton. Moreover, the perception is that cotton is exceedingly desirable, especially over manmade fibers. Cotton is very simple to work with. It is easy to decorate. Screen-printing, embroidering, and heat transferring processes all work best on cotton fabrics.

Cotton plain t-shirts are stretching their wings and quickly becoming more than a unisex garment. Styles are now available that reflect many different body types and figures. Manufacturers are attempting to design for certain markets. The 35 and under age group, (which includes over 140 million consumers!), is not going to wear the same style of cotton t-shirt as the youth group which includes ages 8 to 17.

Industry insiders predict the number one cotton tee for women this season will be the cap sleeve baseball raglan. This t-shirt is cute and trendy, perfect for spring and summer. Consumers will find personality in spring 2012 selections � pigment dyed vintage looks showed well at trade shows. In addition to rich colors stores will offer the classic hues and the classic white t-shirts.

� Image by Marek Bernat, www.sxc.hu/

Colorful Polo Shirts for the Coming Spring

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:34:21 +0100

With Spring getting closer, it is time to think about new colors and that is exactly what designers are doing. The fashion trends in everything from t-shirts and polo shirts to hooded dresses are going to appear in bright cheerful colors this upcoming season. One of the goals is to add a spot of cheerfulness to a drab economy that has seen drastic drops in retail sales. People don't think about fashion playing a psychological role in everyday lives, but just think about how good it feels to put on something new or brightly colored when feeling blue.

It is that good feeling new colors are intended to evoke. The new Spring lines are full of tropical colors and cheerful prints. The tropical theme will make people think of better times. Prints will include tropical birds and polka dots. The colors will range from citrus fruit colors to metallic golds and silvers. You can look like a million even if you have lost a million in these tough economic conditions.

There will be a range of clothing styles offered for sale also. If you enjoy wearing t-shirts and jeans you will find a range of colors in the simplest outfits. If you are feeling fashion feisty, the Spring lines will include many styles reminiscent of the 70s and 80s. You will find jumpsuits, hotpants and short suits with sex appeal. Dresses will include hoods for the cool evenings or windy days. You can wear jackets with rolled-up sleeves over those t-shirts you prefer and be the height of fashion.

Though many of the styles are a throwback to earlier decades, they have all been updated. So if you still have some original clothes in the back of your closet, you might consider replacing them with the contemporary versions. Spring fashion will be flirty, fun, and colorful, and that's just what the market needs as the garment industry faces tough times. There will be less black seen this year in clothing lines.

(c)Image by Jeff Osborn, www.sxc.hu/

Updated Golf Clothing for Women

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:31:47 +0100

Golf clothing for women has changed over the years as many designers are finally answering the call of many women and designing clothing that is more form fitting, but still comfortable. New lines of t-Shirts, walking shorts, and other items have been introduced over the past few years and the number of women buying them has increased dramatically. One women's golf clothing manufacturer, Linda Hipp, has been designing women's golf apparel for the past 15 years under the brand name LIJA

"It's important to look good because that helps you compete. You exude more confidence if you feel good in what you are wearing," said Hipp. Her designs offer women a more structured but trendy look that is comfortable at the same time. Traditional shirts now have a slim fit and include embellishments. Jackets, gloves, and other items have received a make-over as well.

Finding that balance between fashion and comfort seems to the key to designing quality golf clothing for women. While some golf clubs have strict rules about what players can wear on the courses, others are less strict. Nonetheless, women who golf want to be taken seriously, but they don't want to look sloppy. Other designers such as Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney have also designed golf clothing that suits the needs of today's lady golfer. However, you don't have to pay a fortune for comfortable golf clothes. You can swing that club just as well wearing affordable polo shirts and shorts or slacks

.(c)Craig Jewell, www.sxc.hu

T-Shirts and a Hot Summer Make Perfect Match

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:16:56 +0100

It�s still winter but spring is people's sites, and the signs are that it�s going to be a hot one. A hot summer means you need cool clothing, and that is where the humble t-shirt makes a grand entrance. White t-shirts and a hot summer go together like a garden and flowers or umbrellas and cooling rains.

The fashion design houses decided this year that t-shirts need to make a more formal entrance in the fashion world. The runways were loaded with t-shirts galore and some of the most expensive designers were represented. Names like Michael Kors and Proenza Schouler showcased models wearing expensive tees with trousers and long skirts. However, most of us aren�t thinking about glamorous evenings out in the summer. We are thinking of vacations at the beach or days in the garden or just staying cool somehow as the warm summer months approach.

The luxe t-shirts sold by designers are beautiful but a bit impractical for those sweltering days when it�s impossible not to do a little sweating. You don�t want silk tees for everyday wear. You want practical, comfortable cooling cotton or cotton-polyester blend t-shirts. You can wear them with shorts, trousers, skirts, under sundresses or jeans. There are short sleeved and no-sleeved versions too. The t-shirt can be a foundation clothing piece or a centerpiece or play any kind of role you want in your outfit.

T-shirts were once relegated to being primarily men�s underwear, but that is certainly no longer true. Givenchy, Jil Sader, Marc Jacobs, Peter Pilotto and many other designers have made the lowly t-shirt a fashion statement. You can buy the practical reasonably priced versions at a tenth of the price and make a fashion statement too knowing your budget is still safely in balance.

Sweatshirts Trendy the Rest of the Year!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:02:02 +0100

Sweatshirts, big last fall and this winter, are projected to be one of the trendiest clothing items for the rest of 2012. This versatile item appeals to all age groups and is very comfortable. These qualities make hoodies a great choice for promotional clothing.

Hoodies were popular in the 1980�s and often worn with matching sweats. In the past few years they made a comeback with the Gen X and extreme sports crowd. Then, the last couple of years the hoodie style sweatshirt exploded. It has been a fashion item for fall and winter in the last couple of years and its popularity just keeps growing, even appearing in the hottest fashion shows.

Hoodie style sweatshirts can also be embroidered or silk screened with your company logo for business purposes. They can be worn by employees or given away to customers. Each time someone wears your hoodie you are getting free advertising; you are growing your brand.

One of the new trends for fall is the vintage look hoodie. This hoodie looks �old�. It has frayed edges, ripped seams, and may be somewhat faded. Another trend is high quality, thick cotton fabrics. Your employees and customers will appreciate and wear a hoodie that is comfortable and warm.

Colors for fall follow the vintage trend. Experts are predicting stonewashed blue, gray, antique white, and earth tones will be the popular colors for the season. When designing your promotional hoodie keep in mind that you do not want it to be too colorful. These earth tones and vintage fabric colors work well as a neutral background to make your logo pop.

Eco-friendly clothing is also popular for fall 2012. Promotional hoodies in eco-friendly cotton will let your customers and the people who work for you know that you are making a company effort to protect the environment. This appeals to a broad range of the buying public and will only increase your customer base.

T-Shirts Make Great Fund Raisers

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:59:40 +0100

A new and exciting market developing in the world of promotional clothing is the fundraiser. Organizations from the local school PTA to large corporations are in need of tees to bring in money for their causes.

T-shirts are comfortable, trendy, and very cost effective. These factors make them an excellent choice for fundraising material. With one item you get something everyone wants at a price point that can be adapted to bring in money for the organization while still being affordable to the consumer.

T-shirts bring attention to organizations and their causes. For example, a local flower shop might choose to sell pink Relay for Life t-shirts. They would develop these tees with a promotional clothing company to include the Relay for Life information, their own logo and business information, and anything else pertinent to the cause. The tee could be sold in the shop to raise money, sold at the event, and worn by the walkers during the event for identification.

This tee�s lifespan will not end on the day of the race. Since t-shirts are a huge part of our national uniform participants in the race and others who purchased a tee will proudly wear their shirts for a long time to come. Not only will cancer research benefit, the flower shop will get free advertising every time someone wears their shirt.

And, t-shirts are just the beginning. Fundraiser sales can include the hottest selling item of the moment with young adults, teens, and children � hoodies. They can also sell sweaters, caps, sweat suits and much more with a silk screened or embroidered logo.

Organizations may find that t-shirt fundraisers are so successful they choose to hold one every year, each year�s tee becoming a collector�s item. While it may sound far-fetched it happens quite frequently and shows the power and popularity of a simple t-shirt.

� Image by (Name Hidden), www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts and the Carbon Footprint

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:22:17 +0100

Did you know that everything on the face of the earth leaves a carbon footprint. You can be talking about t-shirts or about the dyes in the shirts, but the discussion of the carbon footprint made by textile manufacturing processes is a hot topic today in the face of a deteriorating natural environment. The carbon footprint refers to the level of environmental impact something or someone creates. The carbon footprint can be thought of as a means of measurement to define how activities affect the environment including air, water, and ground. One of the main activities creating the largest carbon footprint is the burning of fossil fuels.

If you are like most consumers, you do not know the impact the manufacturing of any particular t-shirts or sweaters has on the environment. That is why so many groups are working to educate the public. The garment and textile industry has a large carbon footprint because of the many dyes and fabrics used that are in addition to the enormous amount of electricity needed to operate the mills and production plants. Textile industrial operations eject numerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases absorb radiation from the sun and that changes the balance of the environment leading to temperature increases.

The textile industry leaves a large carbon footprint in other ways too. For example, textiles are dumped into landfills even when they are recyclable. But it is the process itself which creates the worst problem. Chemicals are used at almost every stage of garment production from pre-washing to printing. During the desizing stage, chemicals are used again to release the chemicals used initially. The carbon footprint grows larger at each stage. And while the chemicals are being used, fossil fuels are being burned to generate power and for heating and cooling.

That is one reason why some people try to buy organic clothing when possible. Organic clothing is produced in a way that leaves a smaller carbon footprint. But in the long run, it will take a multi-pronged approach that includes new production processes, more attention to recycling, and increased consumer awareness.

Male Urbanites in Hoodies and T-Shirts

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0100

Baby boomers ruled for a while. Then came Generation X. Now the Generation Y have �male urbanites.� A male urbanite is a young man who has this kind of profile: he�s fashion savvy, willing to experiment and doesn�t mind trying new fashion trends. He�s usually under age 21 or close enough to 21 to be still be considered a Generation Y member. He will wear everything from high priced suits to black t-shirts depending on his mood and his plans. It just depends.

Of course, the fashion designers trying to keep up with the desires of these male urbanites wonders what their clothing choices actually depend on. If they could figure that out life would be so much easier for clothing retailers because they would know what to stock in the stores. Generation Y members will wear any color, any style, edgy designs and off the wall clothing. Literally�off the wall. For example, used military jackets like bullet proof vests have been seen on the bodies of male urbanites.

So what else will these fashion aficionados wear? The young male under 21 years old might wear plain collared shirts that fit well or overly baggy shirts that could hold two male urbanites. He might wear a famous name brand of polo shirts or statement shirts. He might well be found in a hoodies, a sweatshirt, a sweater or a shredded t-shirt. If you have developed the impression a young male urbanite will wear almost anything, then you would be on the right track!

The willingness of the Generation Y to wear a variety of clothing is actually quite refreshing. This healthy attitude towards fashion means he can wear what he wants and create his own look. Clothes of all kind provide a great way to show off personal creativity.

� Image by Dennis Vall, www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts Go Viral?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:59:03 +0100

Have you ever considered making your t-shirts go viral? Are you taking advantage of all the inexpensive marketing opportunities available today? If not then you�re missing out on effective ways to build business. Small businesses are increasingly taking advantage of viral marketing opportunities to sell clothing of all kinds including t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts and sweaters.

Podcast videos can be used by businesses of all sizes and young or new designers to promote printed and plain t-shirts on video sharing sites such as Youtube.com. The podcasts are easy to make and easy to post. You don�t need a big marketing department which is really good news when you�re watching a budget closely.

The viral sites offer small businesses an opportunity to produce low-budget commercials making it easy to sell products by generating site traffic. If you make the commercial catchy, it doesn�t take long to go viral in many cases. The small business can buy high quality blank t-shirts, have whatever they want printed on them and sell catchy slogans on viral sites. It is free to post the advertisements so you don�t have to worry about spending a lot of money. All the small business needs is access to a video recorder to shoot the t-shirt ad.

Thanks to technology, the small business can often compete with the big guys now. The internet has become a great equalizer in many ways and gives small and big companies a fair chance to market goods and services. You can sell polo shirts, t-shirts, sweaters, embroidered shirts or whatever else you want. You can get innovative and run a contest on Youtube.com and offer free t-shirts to winners. Nothing builds a customer contact list faster than giveaways.

Think innovative when it comes to marketing but think technology too. Go viral and watch your business grow.

� Image by Yello-Dog, www.sxc.hu/

Simply Happy for Simple T-Shirts

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:12:43 +0100

T-Shirts make simple but great gifts all year round. The last few fashion seasons have seen plenty of clothes that are complicated to say the least�.complicated and imaginative. There has been a mixing of patterns, a mixing of styles, and even a mixing of men�s and women�s clothing. Clothing has also had plenty of trim, zippers, and buttons.

Now there are signs that designers are simplifying fashions once again. In fact, many of the fashions include shifts, a-line skirts, plain dresses, and even t-shirts worn with linen jackets. Some designers, like Raf Simons with Jil Sander, have chosen to add some fraying to jacket edges and have added torn tops, but many of the fashions are just simply elegant but plain.

The state of the economy may have something to do with the designers deciding to simplify their fashions. The simpler the cut of clothing and the less trim there is on the outfit, the less it will cost to reproduce. The runway originals are expensive, of course, but when you look at the subdued styling, it�s easy to see how a shift or a dress can be copied for little cost.

This new trend actually started with Celine who created a resort wardrobe. It was so popular that others have decided to add simplicity to their lines also. Hannah MacGibbon with Chloe, Stella McCartney of her own brand, and many others are creating simple lines for their clothing.

In conjunction with this interest in simplicity is a revival of the Christian Restoin Equipment button-down shirt. This is a cool and classy shirt that really has never gone out of style. But now the Equipment shirts from the 1970s are still being updated and issued again. Updates include the addition of a variety of soft colors. These shirts can be worn with shorts, jeans, dress slacks, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Like t-shirts, the long sleeved shirts are comfortable and ideal for most situations including work and social events.

Simple is back and many people are simply happy about that fact!

� Image by Laurentiu Raicu, www.sxc.hu/

T-shirts Through the Decades

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:42:12 +0100

It looks as though the t-shirt is here to stay, but you already knew that! Made popular in the 1950's and 60's by actors and musicians, the t-shirt became a political statement in the 1980's when UK fashion designer Katharine Hamnett added pop culture phrases made popular by the punk rock music scene. These days T-Shirts are worn in many different ways. While the printed t-shirt continues to have lasting success online, Blank T-Shirts can be worn under suit jackets, dresses, and by themselves to create a casual, but pulled together look.

The T-shirt can be worn no matter what the weather is doing too. It doesn't sag or look crumpled because it got a little damp. Unpredictable weather is no challenge for the simple t-shirt. It can keep you warm. It can be worn with just about anything too - jeans, trousers or city shorts.

There are many ways to wear a t-shirt. Printed t-shirts can be worn with jeans or slacks and are meant to offer commentary and humour. Layering T-Shirts is another popular way that people can wear them. Since many designers are producing thinner shirts, layering two or three and wearing them underneath a jacket or with a skirt is a great way to dress up on the weekends.

T-shirts are probably the most versatile clothing you own. No matter where you plan on going or what you plan on wearing there's a good chance that a t-shirt will be needed. It's not surprising it has endured for decades past and will be here for many more decades.

(c)Tom Naberhuis, www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts and Sweaters come Around Again

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:18:18 +0100

There are plenty of ways to join the ethical fashion movement. Buying clothes made using Fair Trade practices is one of them of course. But you can also recycle clothes in a number of ways. For example, you can mix and match your tees and sweaters to create a variety of new outfits. Buy inexpensive t-shirts and then dress them up with jewelry or scarves. You can even takes some of your shirts and add some buttons, ribbons or other decorations to turn them into fashionable pieces.

Ethical fashion refers to clothing that is made ethically but also to clothing that is used in a way that saves natural resources. The longer a garment lasts and is worn the better for the environment. But the interesting thing about fashion is that the styles really do come and go. As Jo Wood, founder of Jo Wood Organic in the UK once said in the Guardian.co.uk, � �you only have to pick up Vogue from the last few decades to see how looks come back around and something that seemed simply unwearable one year is top of the fashion class the next.� That applies to all clothes too from t-shirts to polo shirts to sweaters. She went on to point out that over 90 million clothing pieces are thrown away everyday in Great Britain. People toss perfectly good clothes and then march back to the store to buy more. As prices go lower people are more inclined to buy new clothes, but cheap pricing doesn�t justify waste.

The message is that each person can do his or her part to participate in the ethical fashion movement by being economical and creative. This may mean cutting up and re-sewing an old t-shirt or making changes to a dress that has fallen out of style. The goal is to minimize the use of natural resources and to get as much use as possible out of current products.

� Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

A T-Shirt for Any Age

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:25:13 +0100

The simple cotton tee shirt is an essential fashion staple in a woman�s wardrobe. It can be worn every season, with all types of fabrics, and with pants and skirts. With the right jewelry it can become evening wear and with a scarf wrapped around the neck it is perfect for game day. Fashion experts urge women of all ages to include several cotton tee shirts in the wardrobe each season. The way they are worn can be adjusted to their age for the greatest impact.

Women in their 20�s are fear free. They are just beginning their lives and their careers. It is during this decade that they discover their own personal style and determine what looks good and what doesn�t. Women in their 20�s should take advantage of the opportunity to be unique and creative. Exotic prints and vivid colors look great when layered with basic plain t-shirts.

As a woman enters her 30�s she should look for more classic wardrobe pieces. During these years a woman will enjoy being a woman. She will most likely be career oriented. Streamlined jackets and tailored slacks and skirts look fabulous when paired with a white tee shirt. The tee shirt allows the woman to retain a little of her rebel attitude even in the corporate environment. And, the tee makes for an easy transition to evening wear after a day at work.

Women in their 40�s and older and becoming concerned about aging gracefully. They have �found� themselves and only need to polish what is already there. In other words, this age does not require a total makeover for a confident woman. A high quality tee shirt in classic white or other muted colors can create a flattering silhouette for woman in their 40�s, 50�s, and 60�s.

The key to each age is to keep current. Know what colors are popular for the current season and purchase one or two new tees each season to compliment a wardrobe advise the fashion experts.

� Image by Martin Orozco, www.sxc.hu/

Tees...And Cotton...For the Future

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:54:50 +0100

The most popular fabric choice across the globe is cotton. It is easy and economical to harvest and can be dyed, printed, and adapted to many different uses.

Today consumers can buy cotton that has been improved in several different ways. Some cotton is resistant to wrinkling, resistant to fire or flames, and even dirt proof. All of these properties make the care of cotton, such as t-shirts, less complicated than ever.

The new improvements in cotton clothing have made it an affordable choice for consumers. The average shopper is looking for a t-shirt that does not fade after washing, a polo shirt that does not wrinkle, and a cotton sweater that does not shrink. Cotton allows buyers to get high quality for less money.

The Cotton Alliance supports new innovations in cotton production and sales. Jay Armor, a staff member, realizes that consumers want quality but can�t pay high prices. �We have been able to introduce new technologies that improve cotton fiber, fabric � from harvesting to the sales floor. The best part is that these technologies do not increase price. In some cases new harvesting techniques help to bring costs down for the average person.�

SANFOR is one such new technology that makes life easier. Cotton fibers wrinkle because they do not stretch � they do not have any elasticity. SANFOR is a processing that cotton can undergo to help prevent it from wrinkling, make it last longer, and even prevent shrinkage.

Another technique to make cotton clothing more durable is calendaring. This process gives cotton fibers more density. When the fibers swell and become denser they last longer and hold up to repeated wearings and washings.

All of these new innovations save the consumer time and money. Like Armor said, cost effective harvesting measures save money that is eventually passed down to the buyer. Clothing that lasts longer does not need to be replaced as often. An time saving techniques such as wrinkle resistant fabric are welcomed by everyone. Next time you are shopping look at the latest designs in cotton clothing.

Classic Polo Shirts Still Reign

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:34:11 +0100

No matter what you read about the polo shirt, by the end of the discussion you can count on this classic shirt being lauded as practical, comfortable, and stylish. There are really only a couple of other types of clothing that can make the same claim which are t-shirts and jeans. But polo shirts have proven to be even more versatile because they can be worn in all situations from recreational to the meeting room.

But we live in an age when technology leads to the introduction of "new and improved" versions of products despite the fact classic versions have successfully endured for many years with few changes. The polo shirt is no exception and there have been new updated materials incorporated in their manufacturing.

In one version of the polo shirt, the styling and fabric is advertised as being made out of "playdry" material. This is another performance fabric which is intended to add luxury, coolness, and moisture wicking qualities. Performance fabrics were originally created primarily for athletes and other sports enthusiasts who work up a good sweat. The moisture wicking fabric in polo shirts draws the moisture away from the body which then evaporates quickly. This keeps the body cooler and drier even when the athlete is under physical duress.

Of course, there are also luxury versions intended for sports enthusiasts who may not sweat heavily, but want to look stylish such as golfers. These shirts claim to have curl free collars and come in trendy colors.

In the end though, the polo shirt can continue to hold its own just as it has for so many years. The high performance polo shirts may be appealing, but the classic polo styling is the enduring quality of this particular shirt. For those who wear a polo shirt to work everyday, the comfort and coolness of this garment is already deeply appreciated.(c)Image by Noel Abejo,www.sxc.hu/

Cotton Tees Hold Memories

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:33:51 +0100

The entire world is in love with cotton. Manufacturers find it easy to process, dye, sew, and print. Consumers love the comfort only cotton can give. One of the most popular uses for this popular fiber is found in the garment industry. Clothing, especially t-shirts, are dependent upon soft, comfortable, 100 percent cotton fabric.

Every year new technology makes cotton easier to care for and easier to wear. Today�s cotton t-shirts and other cotton garments can be processed to be wrinkle free and low maintenance. Special processing can ensure that the item is fire retardant, water proof, and in some cases even dirt proof.

Fortunately, these new techniques have added to the value of cotton garments but have not caused drastic price increases. Ms. Fallon, a cotton industry insider, has been asked in several interviews to comment on the future of cotton in a depressed economy. She points to the high quality of cotton, its durability, and fashion as continuing to be the main selling point for cotton clothing.

�Everybody has favorite memories featuring cotton. You may remember a favorite dress you wore at your 5th birthday party, your cotton track uniform from college, or even you first boyfriend�s cotton tee that you still have boxed away. When the going gets tough, such as today�s financial situation, it is nice to have the comfort of these memories. This is why we see cotton clothing as cozy and comfortable � it makes us feel secure,� says Be Fallon.

Fallon goes on to point out the advantages of high quality cotton. It is extremely durable and holds up well to repeated washings. It is very fashionable and in fact many cotton tees gain cult status because of their logo or design.

The entire world loves cotton. In the coming months this fabric, and items such as cotton t-shirts and hoodies and polo shirts, are projected to be one of the few retail items that keeps on selling no matter what the economy decides to do.

T-Shirts - Organic or Ethically Made?

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:22:11 +0100

Ethical fashion is clothing that is produced using workers who are paid a fair wage and work in decent conditions. Despite a global effort to end dangerous and inhumane working conditions and unfair wage scales, there are still factories in the world hiring young children and forcing workers to work long hours seven days a week for very little pay. When it comes right down to it, people will accept undesirable work conditions when that is their only choice. There are people and organizations working tirelessly to end these unsafe working conditions that have made some progress but still have a long way to go.

Because human rights groups have not been able to convince all factories to treat their workers in an ethical manner, they have approached the problem from a different direction. Consumers are being asked to shop in a discriminating manner and buy ethical fashion when possible. As consumer demand for Fairtrade clothing grows, factories will be encouraged through sheer economics to change their ways. There are groups that specialize in assigning the Fairtrade designation on products after assessing the manufacturing process.

Fairtrade clothing includes all types of clothing. You can find ethically produced t-shirts for example which are also often made with organically grown fibers. There are Fairtrade dresses, men�s suits, polo shirts, and much more for sale in stores and online. In fact, one of the best places to shop for organic and Fairtrade clothing is online. That is where you can find good prices, a large selection, and excellent quality clothing.

Next time you are shopping for hoodies, sweats, or sweaters, consider shopping for fashion that is ethically produced or made with organically grown textiles. It is a great way to make personal contribution to the environment and humanity.

�Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

Recycle T-Shirts Because Someone Can Use the Material!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:10:54 +0100

Fast fashion is a concept that environmentalists believe needs to fast disappear. Fast fashion refers to clothes that are worn once or twice and then thrown away. Of course, the clothes don�t have to be considered fast fashion when they are simply being thrown away even when they could be worn again many times. The global environmental agencies and groups have been preaching against fast fashion for years. Unfortunately, in countries like the U.S., the amount of still-wearable clothes including sweatshirts, t-shirts, and dresses that are being thrown away too soon is on the rise.

Recently the numbers reported indicated that the average American will throw away 54 pounds of clothing items each year. This is a 27% increase in the last 8 years. This is particularly unfortunate considering there are good options besides tossing the clothes.

For example, there are a number of charities that would love to have clothes and shoes that are in decent shape and still wearable. The charity stores like the Salvation Army hire people who have trouble finding jobs and the proceeds from the sales are used for charity purposes. Another option is to give the clothes to a consignment shop that will even pay you a percentage of the revenue when the clothing sells.

Up to 45% of the clothing that is recycled through the charity stores ends up being shipped overseas. These are the un-wearable items donated by consumers. Overseas businesses will then turn the clothing into new material, rags or stuffing fibers.

The good news is that some of the largest clothing companies like Levi Strauss & Co., The Gap, and Patagonia have started campaigns to teach consumers how to better recycle clothes. These programs include wash instructions that preserve fibers and company recycling of clothes into new clothing. So when you are thinking about throwing away your cheap t-shirts�think again - no matter where you live. It�s just possible they have a lot of life left in them.

� Image by Roger Kirby, www.sxc.hu/